Signed digit adder circuit

ABSTRACT

A signed digit adder (10) includes a plurality of cells (12) which input signals X s , X m , Y s , Y m , R -1  and U -1 , where X s  and X m  are the sign and magnitude bits of one digit of a signed bit representation. Similarly, Y s  and Y m  are the sign and magnitude bits of the second operand. R -1  and U -1  are signals received from the preceding cell (12). Each cell outputs R and U bits, and the sum bits Z s  and Z m . Each cell (12) comprises function blocks (14-26) which determine the outputs from the given inputs. Function block (14) determines the output R as NOT(X s  +Y s ). Function block (20) determines the output U=E·NOT(R -1 )+NOT(E)·NOT(Q) where Q=(NOT (X s )+NOT (Y s ))·X m . The determination of Q is performed in function block (16). Function block (24) determines the output Z s  =U -1  ·T and function block (26) determines the output Z m  =U -1  XOR (NOT (T)). T is determined in function block (22)=E XOR (NOT (R -1 )). E is determined in function block (18) as X m  XOR Y m . Function blocks (14-26) are optimized for speed relative to the temporal validity of the inputs.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains in general to integrated circuits, and more particularly to a signed digit adder circuit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

High speed computation is the critical design factor in many systems, such as computers, signal processors, and process controllers. These systems increasingly rely on LSI integrated circuits to perform the multiplicative function on a single chip. Multiplication using signed digit redundant number representation allows the addition of partial products in the binary tree at speeds faster than the Booth-Wallace approach, and at the same time, has an iterative structure that increases circuit density and ease of layout. The signed digit redundant number representation permits high speed binary addition trees, because it is possible to perform carry-free addition therewith.

In order to take advantage of the binary tree, a circuit cell is needed that will sum two signed digits. Such circuits have been described for ECL technology in N. Takagi, H. Yashuura, S. Yajima, High Speed VLSI Multiplication Algorithm with a Redundant Binary Addition Tree, IEEE Transactions on Computers, Vol. C-34, No. 9, Sept., 1985. The structure described therein is designed for ECL circuitry using NOR/OR logic, which is inapplicable to other technologies, such as CMOS. Further, the circuit described therein does not minimize the number of gate delays and transistors and maximize speed in performing the logical addition of two signed digits.

Therefore, a need has arisen in the industry for a signed digit adder circuit which minimizes gate delays and the number of transistors used to implement a signed digit adder circuit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a signed digit adder circuit is provided which substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with prior adding circuits.

The adding circuit of the present invention adds two signed digit addends, X and Y, each digit of the addends represented respectively by signed portions, X_(s) and Y_(s), and magnitude portions, X_(m) and Y_(m). The adding circuit comprises a plurality of successively interconnecting cells, each cell having inputs for respective digits of the addends, and for receiving outputs from the preceding cell. Each cell comprises circuitry for generating a first logical output, R, which is determined by the signed portions, X_(s) and Y_(s). The value R determined by one cell is transmitted to the successive cell. The adding circuit further comprises circuitry for generating intermediate values Q and E, based on the signs and magnitudes of the addends. Another second intermediate logical value T is determined by the intermediate value E and by the first logical output R of the preceding cell. The circuitry for calculating T is optimized such that T is calculated rapidly with respect to E, thus improving the speed of the circuit. A second logical output, U, is determined by Q, E, and the value R input from the preceding cell. The circuitry for determining U is optimized such that U is calculated rapidly after the value Q becomes valid. The output sum digits are calculated based on the value U from the previous cell and on the value T.

The present invention provides several technical advantages. First, the number of transistors used in each cell is minimized, thereby reducing the size of the adding circuit, which may be used in conjunction with a multiplier circuit. Further, the present invention increases the speed of the calculation by optimizing each subcircuit to output valid data as quickly as possible after inputs to that subcircuit are valid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of n-bit signed digit adder;

FIG. 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of one cell of the signed digit adder of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a circuit diagram of the cell illustrated in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is best understood by referring to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an n-bit signed digit adder 10. The signed digit adder 10 has n cells 12, one for each digit of the adder plus an additional overflow cell 13. Each cell 12 has four data inputs: X_(m), X_(s), Y_(m) and Y_(s). Each input comprises n digits (for example, X_(m)(n-1) . . . X_(m)(0). In signed digit representation, each digit of the number comprises a sign bit and a magnitude bit, such that each digit may represent a 0, 1 or -1. In the illustrated embodiment, a 0 is denoted by X_(s) =O and X_(m) =0, a 1is denoted by X_(s) =0 and X_(m) =1, and a -1 is denoted by X_(s) =1 and X_(m) =1. X_(s) and X_(m) comprise the digits for the first addend, and Y_(s) and Y_(m) comprise the digits for the second addend.

Each cell outputs a respective digit of the output sum Z, where Z_(s) represents the sign bit and Z_(m) represents the magnitude bit for each digit. Also, each cell 12 outputs two intermediate values R and U and inputs the outputs R and U of the preceding cell (hereinafter R₋₁ and U₋₁). As will be described in FIG. 2, R is a function of the sign bits X_(s) and Y_(s), and U is a function of the sign and magnitude bits and R₋₁. Hence, the output of each cell depends only upon data propagated from the two previous cells, as opposed to conventional magnitude adders in which the carry bit may propagate through all n cells.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram showing the functional implementation of the cells 12 of FIG. 1. Each cell 12 inputs respective sign bits X_(s) and Y_(s) and magnitude bits X_(m) and Y_(m) corresponding to its position in the adder. Also, each cell 12 inputs the R and U values from the preceding cell, denoted as R₋₁ and U₋₁. Each cell outputs R and U values to the next cell, and outputs sign and magnitude sum bits Z_(s) and Z_(m).

In function block 14, the R value is calculated as NOT (X_(s) +Y_(s)). For purposes of this specification, "NOT" is used to denote the logical inverse of a bit, "+" is used to denote a logical "OR" function, "XOR" is used to denote a logical exclusive OR function, and "AB" or A.B is used to denote the logical AND function of operands A and B. Function block 16 determines an intermediate value Q=(NOT(X_(s))+NOT(Y_(s)))·X_(m). The intermediate value Q is used in calculating the value U for the cell. Function block 18 calculates an intermediate value E=X_(m) XOR Y_(m). Function blocks 14, 16 and 18 are connected to the operand values X_(m), X_(s), Y_(m), and Y_(s).

Function block 20 is connected to the outputs of function blocks 16 and 18, and to the R₋₁ input. Function block 20 determines the value U=E·(NOT(R₋₁))+NOT(Q) ·(NOT(E)), where Q and E are determined by function blocks 16 and 18. Function block 22 is connected to function block 18 and to input R₋₁. The function block 22 determines an intermediate value T=E XOR (NOT(R₋₁)).

Function blocks 24 and 26 determine the outputs Z_(s) and Z_(m) for the cell 12. The function blocks 24 and 26 are connected to function block 22 and to the input U₋₁. Function block 24 determines Z_(s) =U₋₁ T. Function block 26 determines Z_(m) =(NOT(T))XOR U₋₁.

FIG. 3 illustrates the preferred implementation of the function blocks 14-26. Functional block 14 is connected to inputs X_(s) and Y_(s) and comprises a NOR gate 28 having X_(s) and Y_(s) as inputs. The output of NOR gate 28 is connected to the R output of the cell 12.

Function block 18 performs the calculation E=X_(m) XOR Y_(m). An inverter 30 is connected to the X_(m) input and has an output connected to the control gate of a transmission gate 32. For purposes of this specification, a transmission gate comprises a N-channel and P-channel transistor having connected sources and drains, such that a logical one (logical high voltage) or logical zero (logical low voltage) is passed from input to output when a logical low voltage is connected to the P-channel gate (the "complement control gate") and a high signal is present on the N-channel gate (the "control gate"). When a logical high is on the P-channel gate and logical low is on the N-channel, no logical value is passed to the output. If both control gates are high or low, a "weak" logical value is passed. In the illustrated circuit, this condition is avoided to the extent possible.

The input of the transmission gate 32 is connected to the input Y_(m) and the output of the transmission gate 32 is connected to an inverter 34. The complement control gate of the transmission gate 32 is connected to the input X_(m). The input of the inverter 34 is also connected to the drain of N-channel transistor 36. The gate of N-channel transistor 36 is connected to the input X_(m) and the source of the N-channel transistor 36 is connected to the drain of N-channel transistor 38. The gate of N-channel transistor 38 is connected to the input Y_(m) and the source of N-channel transistor 38 is connected to ground. The input to inverter 34 is connected to the drain of P-channel transistor 40, having its gate connected to the input Y_(m) and its source connected to the input X_(m). The input to inverter 34 has the value of E and the output of inverter 34 has the value of NOT(E).

Functional block 16 implements the function Q=(NOT (X_(s))+NOT (Y_(s)))·X_(m). The X_(s) input is connected to the gate of a P-channel transistor 42 and the gate of an N-channel 44. The input Y_(s) is connected to the gate of a P-channel transistor 46 and the gate of an N-channel transistor 48. The output of inverter 30 of functional block 18 is connected to the gate of a P-channel transistor 50 and the gate of a N-channel transistor 52. The sources of P-channel transistors 42 and 46 are connected to V_(cc). The source of P-channel transistor 50 is connected to the drains of P-channel transistors 42 and 46. The sources of N-channels transistors 48 and 52 are connected to ground. The source of N-channel transistor 44 is connected to the drain of N-channel transistor 48. The drains of N-channel transistors 44 and 52 and the drain of P-channel transistor 50 are connected to the input of an inverter 54 in block 20.

Functional block 20 implements the function U=E·NOT(R₋₁)+NOT(E)·NOT(Q), where E and Q are determined in blocks 18 and 16, respectively, and R₋₁ is input from the preceding cell 12. Functional block 20 comprises two transmission gates 56 and 58. The output of inverter 34 of function block 18 is connected to the control gate of transmission gate 56 and to the complement control gate of transmission gate 58. The input to inverter 34 is connected to the complement control gate of transmission gate 56 and to the control gate of transmission gate 58. Transmission gate 56 receives its input from the output of inverter 54 and transmission gate 58 receives its input from the output of inverter 60 (see function block 22) which is connected to the R₋₁ input. The outputs of the transmission gates 56 and 58 are connected to the output U.

Function block 22 implements the function T=E XOR NOT(R₋₁) where E is determined in function block 18 and R₋₁ is input from the preceding cell 12. The function block 22 comprises the inverter 60 and four transmission gates 62, 64, 66 and 68. Inverter 60 has its input connected to R₋₁ and its output connected to the inputs of transmission gates 62 and 68. The input R₋₁ is connected to the inputs of transmission gates 64 and 66. The output of inverter 34 is connected to the complement control gates of transmissions gates 68 and 64, and to the control gates of transmission gates 66 and 62. The input to inverter 34 is connected to the complement control gates of transmission gates 66 and 62, and to the control gates of transmission gates 64 and 68. The outputs of transmission gates 66 and 68 are connected together to form the inverted T output, and the outputs of transmission gates 62 and 64 are connected together to determine the T output.

Function block 24 implements the function Z_(s) =U₋₁ T, where T is determined by function block 22. Function block 24 comprises a NAND gate 70 having inputs connected to the T output of function block 22 and to the U₋₁ input. The output of the NAND gate 70 is connected to an inverter 72, whose output is connected to the Z_(s) output.

Function block 26 implements the function Z_(m) =NOT(T) XOR U₋₁. A transmission gate 74 has its input connected to the U₋₁ input, its control gate connected to the inverted T output of the function block 22 and its complement control gate connected to the T signal from the function block 22. The output of transmission gate 74 is connected to the drains of P-channel transistor 76 and N-channel transistor 78. The gates of transistors 76 and 78 are connected to the input U₋₁. The source of P-channel transistor 76 is connected to the drain of a P-channel transistor 80, which has its gate connected to the inverted T signal from function block 22 and its source connected to V_(cc). The source of N-channel transistor 78 is connected to the drain of N-channel transistor 82, which has its gate connected to the T signal from function block 22 and its source connected to ground. The node connecting the output of transmission gate 74 and the drains of transistors 76 and 78 is connected to the input of inverter 84. The output of inverter 84 is connected the Z_(m) output.

The function blocks 14-26 are optimized for speed relative to the availability of the inputs. For example, in function block 22, it can be assumed that the input R₋₁ will be valid before the determination of E, since the determination of R₋₁ can be made by propagation through a single NOR gate once X_(s) and Y_(s) are valid. Therefore, function block 22 is optimized such that the XOR function is fast with respect to E, i.e., the delay from E_(valid) to T_(valid) is minimized. In function block 20, it is assumed that Q and E become valid at about the same time; therefore, neither is given preference. Similarly, in function block 16 and 18, neither X_(s), Y_(s), X_(m) or Y_(m) is given preference, since it cannot be determined which will become valid first.

Function blocks 24 and 26 are designed to provide sufficient drive for the load capacitance of the output Z_(s) and Z_(m). The inverters 72 and 84 supply the necessary gain to drive the outputs.

The adder of the present invention provides the technical advantage of high speed performance in a circuit suitable for CMOS implementation. The above-described circuit is capable of a 2.5 nanosecond add. Furthermore, the number of transistors to implement the circuit is minimized, thereby reducing the cell size.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for adding two signed digit addends, X and Y, each addend having a plurality of digits, each addend representable by logical sign portions, X_(s) and Y_(s) and logical magnitude portions, X_(m) and Y_(m), comprising:first logic circuitry for generating a first logical output for each digit of the respective addends based on the signs of the respective addends; second logic circuitry to generate a first intermediate logical value for each digit of the respective addends from the sign and magnitude portions of the respective addends; third logic circuitry to generate a second intermediate logical value for each digit of the respective addends from the magnitudes of the respective addends; fourth logic circuitry for generating a second logical output from said first and second intermediate logical values and from a first logical output generated for a preceding pair of signed digit addends; fifth logic circuitry for generating a third intermediate logical value from said second intermediate logical value and from said first logical output generated for said preceding pair of signed digit addends; and sixth logic circuitry for generating a sum digit for each pair of associated position digits of said addends from said third intermediate logical value and a second logical output generated for a preceding pair of signed digital addends.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second logic circuitry includes circuitry for calculating the logical equation Q=(NOT (X_(s))+NOT (Y_(s)))·X_(m) for each said pair of associated position digits where Q represents said first intermediate logical value.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said third logic circuitry further includes circuitry for calculating the logical equation E=X_(m) XOR Y_(m) for each said pair of associated position digits where E represents said second intermediate logical value.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said fourth logic circuitry includes circuitry for calculating the logical equation U=E·NOT (R₋₁)+NOT(Q)·NOT (E) for each said pair of associated position digits where Q represents said first intermediate logical value and R₋₁ represents a first logical output generated for a preceding pair of signed digit addends.
 5. A circuit for adding two signed digit addends, X and Y, said signed digit addends having digits each representable by logical sign portions X_(s) and Y_(s) and logical magnitude portions X_(m) and Y_(m), said circuit having a plurality of successively interconnected cells, each cell having inputs for receiving respective digits and for receiving outputs from the preceding cell, each cell comprising:circuitry for generating a first logical output based on the signs of the addends; circuitry for generating a first intermediate logical value based on the signs and magnitudes of the addends; circuitry for generating a second intermediate logical value based on the magnitudes of the addends; circuitry for generating a third intermediate logical value based on said second intermediate logical value and on a first logical output generated by a preceding cell, said circuitry for generating said third intermediate logical value being optimized to generate said third intermediate value in response to the availability of valid outputs from said circuitry for generating the second intermediate logical value; circuitry for generating a second logical output based on said first and second intermediate logical values and on said first logical output generated by said preceding cell; and circuitry for generating a sum digit representable by logical sign and magnitude portions, and based on said second logical output generated by the preceding cell and said third intermediate logical value.
 6. The adding circuit of claim 5 wherein said circuitry for generating said first logical output comprises circuitry for calculating the logical equation R =X_(s) NOR Y_(s), where R represents the first logical output.
 7. The adding circuit of claim 6 wherein said circuitry for calculating R comprises a NOR gate.
 8. The adding circuit of claim 5 wherein said circuitry for generating said first logical intermediate value comprises circuitry for calculating the logical equation Q =(NOT (X_(s))+NOT (Y_(s)))·X_(m).
 9. The adding circuit of claim 8 wherein said circuitry for calculating Q comprises:a first P-channel transistor having a gate driven by Y_(s), a source connected to a logical high voltage, and a drain connected to a first node; a second P-channel transistor having a gate driven by X_(s), a source connected to a logical high voltage, and a drain connected to said first node; a third P-channel transistor having a gate driven by an inverted X_(m), a source connected to said first node and a drain connected to a second node; a first N-channel transistor having a gate driven by X_(s), a source connected to said second node and a drain connected to a third node; a second N-channel transistor having a gate driven by Y_(s), a source connected to said third node and a drain connected to ground voltage; and a third N-channel transistor having a gate driven by an inverted X_(m), a source connected to said second node and a drain connected to ground voltage, the signal representing Q being present at such second node.
 10. The adding circuit of claim 9 and further comprising an inverter attached to said second node for generating an inverted Q signal.
 11. The adding circuit of claim 5 wherein said circuitry for generating said second logical intermediate value comprises circuitry for calculating the logical equation E =X_(m) XOR Y_(m).
 12. The adding circuit of claim 11 wherein said circuit for calculating E comprises:a transmission gate having a control gate connected to an inverted X_(m), a complementary control gate connected to X_(m), an input connected to Y_(m) and an output connected to a first node; a first N-channel transistor having a gate driven by X_(m), a source connected to said first node and a drain connected to a second node; a second N-channel transistor having a gate driven by Y_(m), a source connected to said second node and a drain connected to ground voltage; and a P-channel transistor having a gate driven by Y_(m), a source connected to said first node and a drain connected to X_(m), the signal representing E being present at said first node.
 13. The adding circuit of claim 12 wherein said circuit for calculating E further comprises an inverter attached to said first node for generating an inverted E signal.
 14. The adding circuit of claim 5 wherein said circuitry for generating said second logical output comprises circuitry for calculating the logical equation U=E·NOT (R₋₁)+NOT (E)·NOT (Q).
 15. The adding circuit of claim 14 wherein said circuitry for calculating U comprises:a first transmission gate having a control gate connected to an inverted E signal, a complementary control gate connected to an E signal, an input connected to an inverted Q signal and an output connected to a node for sensing the second logical output; and a second transmission gate having a control gate connected to said E signal, a complementary control gate connected to said inverted E signal, an input connected to an inverted first logical output from said preceding cell, and an output connected to the node for sensing the second logical output.
 16. The adding circuit of claim 5 wherein said circuitry for generating said third logical intermediate value comprises circuitry for calculating the logical equation T=E XOR NOT (R₋₁), where T represents said third logical intermediate value.
 17. The adding circuit of claim 16 wherein said circuitry for calculating T comprises:a first transmission gate having a control input connected to said E signal, a complementary control gate connected to said inverted E signal, and input connected to said first logical output from said preceding cell and an output connected to a node for sensing a T signal; and a second transmission gate having a control gate connected to said inverted E signal, a complementary control gate connected to said E signal, an input connected to said inverted first logical output from said preceding cell, and an output connected to said first node, said T signal being present on said node for sensing the T signal.
 18. The adding circuit of claim 17 wherein said circuitry to calculating T further comprises:a third transmission gate having a control gate driven by said E signal, a complementary control gate connected to said inverted E signal, an input connected to said inverted first logical output from said preceding cell, and an output connected to a node for sensing an inverted T signal; and a fourth transmission gate having a control gate connected to said inverted E signal, a complementary control gate connected to said E signal, an input connected to said first logical output from said preceding cell; and an output connected to said node for sensing the inverted T signal.
 19. The adding circuit of claim 5, wherein said circuitry for generating said sum digit comprises circuitry for generating a first sum output representing the sign portion of the output digit and circuitry for calculating a second sum output representing the magnitude portion of the sum digit.
 20. The adding circuit of claim 19 wherein said circuitry to generate said first sum output comprises circuitry to calculate the logical equation Z_(s) =T·U₋₁, where U₋₁ represents the second logical output from said preceding cell, and Z_(s) represents the sign portion of the sum digit.
 21. The adding circuit of claim 20 wherein said circuitry to calculate said second sum output comprises circuitry to calculate the logical expression Z_(m) =NOT (T) XOR U₋₁, where U₋₁ represents said second logical output from said preceding cell and Z_(m) represents the magnitude portion of the sum digit.
 22. The adding circuit of claim 21 wherein said circuitry to calculate the logical equation Z_(m) =NOT(T) XOR U₋₁ comprises:a first transmission gate having an input connected to U₋₁, a control gate driven by a NOT(T) signal, a complementary control gate driven by a T signal, and an output connected to a node for sensing an inverted Z_(m) signal; a first N-channel transistor having a gate connected to U₋₁, a source connected said node for sensing an inverted Z_(m) signal, and a drain connected to a source of a second N-channel transistor, said second N-channel transistor having a gate driven by said T signal and a drain connected to ground; a first P-channel transistor having a gate driven by said U₋₁ signal, a drain connected to said node for sensing the inverted Z_(m) signal, and a source connected to a drain of a second P-channel transistor having a gate driven by said NOT(T) signal and a source connected to a logical high voltage; and an inverter having its input connected to said node for sensing the inverted Z_(m) signal; the Z_(m) signal being present at the output of said inverter.
 23. A method for adding two signed digit addends, X and Y, each addend digit representable by logical signed portions X_(s) and Y_(s) and logical magnitude portions, X_(m) and Y_(m), comprising the steps of:generating a first logical output for each pair of associated position digits based on the signs of the respective addend digits; generating a first intermediate logical value for each said pair of associated position digits based on the signs and magnitudes of the respective addend digits; generating a second intermediate logical value for each said pair of associated position digits based on the magnitudes of the respective addend digits; generating a third intermediate logical value for each pair of associated position digits based on said second intermediate logical value and on said first logical output generated for a pair of digits from a preceding pair of addends; generating a second logical output for each said pair of associated position digits based on said first and second intermediate logical values and on said first logical output generated for said pair of digits from said preceding pair of addends; and generating a sum digit for each said pair of associated position digits based on said second logical output generated for said respective preceding digit positions and said third intermediate logical value.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein said step of generating the first intermediate logical value comprises calculting the logical equation Q=(NOT (X_(s))+NOT (Y_(s)))·X_(m) for each said pair of associated position digits where Q represents said first logical intermediate value.
 25. The method of claim 24 wherein said step of generating the first intermediate logical value comprises calculating the logical equation E=X_(m) XOR Y_(m) for each said pair of associated position digits, where E represents said second intermediate logical value.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein said step of generating said third intermediate logical value comprises calculating the logical equation T=E XOR NOT (R₋₁) for each said pair of associated position digits, where R₋₁ represents the first logical output generated for said pair of digits from said preceding pair of addends, and T represents said third logical intermediate value for the digit position. 